CF Community Blog

My son was diagnosed with CF in 1965 and bravely defied the odds, living 28 cherished years. Then, decades later, I was stunned to receive a CF diagnosis of my own.

Trikafta has transformed my life in ways I never thought possible. But with that came a sharp awareness of those still waiting for a treatment that works for them. That’s why I’m deeply committed to the fight for a cure — because everyone with CF deserves the same chance at a fuller, healthier life.

Going to college while living with cystic fibrosis carries its unique challenges. One of these is learning to be vulnerable about CF with others. But as I learned to be open, I discovered that CF did not build up walls to community — it opened doors. 

A recent hospitalization reminded me that my strength to fight cystic fibrosis is deeply rooted in my Filipino heritage and the unwavering support of my family. 

Growing up, it wasn’t my cystic fibrosis that fueled my anxiety — it was the checklist of mental tasks I believed would prevent disaster. It wasn’t until adulthood that I learned this behavior is actually obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Training for an Ironman race is no easy feat, especially when living with cystic fibrosis. But I'm more determined than ever to push my limits, make my younger self proud, and prove to others that nothing is impossible.